Opponents of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz shout slogans after the Supreme Court´s decision to disqualify Nawaz, in Islamabad. Photo: Reuters

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz workers protested and confronted their counterparts from rival political parties in different cities of the country, specifically in Punjab on Friday.

Clashes and protests began before and after the Supreme Court?s verdict disqualifying Nawaz Sharif.

In Lahore, PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party workers came face-to-face n front of the press club.

The PPP workers were chanting slogans against Nawaz, while those from PML-N were shouting statements in favour of their party chief.

Later, after the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif, workers of both the parties hurled harsh statements at each other.

While expressing their excitement over Nawaz?s disqualification, PPP workers were seen dancing outside the press club.

As more workers of PML-N reached the site to counter the celebrations, measures were taken to avoid any untoward incident ? heavy contingents of police were called and barbed wires were set up. At the gathering, a woman from PML-N fell unconscious while shouting slogans.

A supporter of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz passes out during a gathering in Lahore. Photo: Reuters

Besides, PML-N workers organised a rally in Johar Town and some protested near Liberty Chowk in Gulberg.

In Gujranwala, PML-N workers took to the streets against the apex court?s decision. When police tried to stop them, again harsh words were exchanged between law-enforcers and PML-N workers. Some party workers also burnt tyres on Jinnah Road, blocking the route for traffic.

In Islamabad, PML-N workers confronted those from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf outside the Supreme Court. There too workers chanted slogans against each other?s parties.

On the other hand, PML-N workers had started gathering at Shahra-e-Dastoor in Islamabad before the verdict was announced. The party workers were holding placards inscribed with slogans against Imran Khan.

The apex court announced Nawaz?s disqualification after three judges of the five-member bench gave their statements ? two had already given their decision during an earlier hearing.